College of Science and Technology

Graduate Program

In the Department of Biology graduate program, students have the opportunity to pursue training in a variety of areas including complex diseases, molecular genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, physiology, evolution, toxicology, and health disparities research. Curriculum information for graduate degrees can be found in the Graduate School Catalog and from our list of Course Descriptions.

 

Graduate Degree Pathways

Advanced studies within the biological sciences are leading to transformative insights into biological systems while also laying the foundation for applied, interdisciplinary research. The Bioscience concentration within the Applied Science and Technology PhD program provides students with exciting and valuable opportunities to develop expertise about biological systems and the methods and technologies used to investigate these systems. This program furthermore promotes the development of knowledge and experience in applied areas relating to the health of individuals and their communities, the environment, education, and industry. Major areas of research within the Bioscience concentration include cell and molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, physiology, neuroscience, evolutionary genomics, and systems biology. Students also have opportunities to develop expertise in how disciplinary knowledge and research can be leveraged to address societal challenges in other specific areas such as environmental health, health disparities, and STEM education. For more information on the AST PhD Bioscience concentration, please contact gradbio@ncat.edu or visit the AST PhD Program website.

The primary objective of the Masters of Science program in Biology is to prepare students to enter and complete doctoral and health professional programs in order to become productive teachers, researchers, and health professionals. To support this objective, this program will develop in all participants, through research experiences and other enrichment activities, independent thinking, creativity, critical judgment, and personal integrity. Specifically, this program is designed to enhance the student's ability to design experiments, to analyze results, to become competent using state-of-the-art research equipment, to enhance manipulative skills, and to improve the student's proficiency in oral and written communication. Students will have the opportunity to conduct research in various areas, including cancer research, diabetes research, molecular genetics, microbiology/immunology, genomics/bioinformatics, physiology, evolution, toxicology, and health disparities research.

The primary objective of the Professional Science Master’s (P.S.M.) concentration in Industrial Biosciences is to provide students with advanced technical skills, industry-guided knowledge, and business training to prepare them for work in the commercial sector. To support this objective, this program will develop in all participants, through training experiences and other enrichment activities, scientific understanding, understanding of the commercialization process, critical judgment, and personal integrity. Specifically, this program is designed to enhance the student's ability to manage scientific projects, to understand regulatory, ethical and legal dimensions of science-based work, to become competent using state-of-the-art research equipment, and to improve the student's proficiency in oral and written communication.

Situated within the College of Education’s conceptual framework of "Professional Educator: A Catalyst for Learning," the M.A.T in Biology Education program is designed for college graduates who have decided to enter the teaching profession, many of whom will already be lateral entry teachers, teachers changing fields and perspective candidates who are taking coursework before entering the classroom. It is another way of addressing the critical teacher shortage, since post baccalaureate students accepted into this program will have the academic credentials and maturity necessary to complete both introductory and advanced work in teacher education in a graduate level program. The Masters of Art in Teaching will enable prospective teachers, who bring content knowledge to the graduate degree, the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become excellent teachers.

Teacher Education Licensure: Degree completion and obtaining a teaching license in the State of North Carolina or any other state are separate processes. Admission to this program does not guarantee admission to the Teacher Education Licensure program. To be recommended for licensure, candidates must first be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Licensure Program. Failure to complete the Teacher Education admission requirements during the first semester of enrollment may result in the student’s inability register for professional core courses. Candidates should review licensure requirements at the Educator Preparation page or visit the College of Education for guidance on specific requirements.

How to Apply

Applications to our graduate program are submitted online through the North Carolina A&T Graduate College.

Contact Us

You can reach the Department of Biology Graduate Program by e-mail at gradbio@ncat.edu or by contacting the Department of Biology Main Office